EPA Solicits Public Comment on Draft Chemical Risk Assessments

EPA recently published a notice of availability of draft chemical risk assessments of the following five widely-used chemicals in common household products: trichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated solvent used for degreasing and as a spray-on protective coating; antimony trioxide (ATO), a synergist in halogenated flame retardants; methylene chloride, a chemical used in paint stripper products; n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), a chemical used in paint stripper products; and 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,-hexamethylcyclopenta[Y]-2-benzopyran (HHCB), a fragrance ingredient in commercial and consumer products. The draft chemical risk assessments evaluate human health and ecological hazards under various exposure scenarios for the particular uses identified for each chemical.  

EPA is soliciting public comment on the draft chemical risk assessments through March 11, 2013. EPA will then seek independent, external peer review of the draft assessments. The Agency intends to finalize the assessments in Fall 2013.

The draft assessments were undertaken as part of to EPA's larger effort to strengthen its existing chemical management program. The five chemicals are on EPA's list of TSCA Work Plan Chemicals that the Agency has identified for further review. EPA intends to conduct additional risk assessments of other TSCA Work Plan Chemicals later this year.